Treat political prisoners with dignity, humanity: Mirwaiz on Imran Khan's jail shift
Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday described as “concerning” reports that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had been shifted to a jail again, and said the rights of political prisoners are universal, irrespective of geography, government or political affiliation.
“The rights of political prisoners are universal, beyond geography, government or political affiliation. Be it in India, Pakistan or anywhere in the world, those incarcerated must be treated with dignity and humanity, with access to proper medical care, family and legal counsel, and due process,” the Mirwaiz said in a statement.
The Mirwaiz, who is the hereditary preacher at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, said court orders must be respected and the rule of law upheld. “Political differences can never justify denying a prisoner his or her fundamental rights,” he said, referring to the treatment of Mr. Khan.
His comments came amid reports that Mr. Khan, who has been in prison since August 2023, was moved to another jail facility on Thursday. The reasons for the transfer have not been officially confirmed.
Earlier in his Friday sermon at Jama Masjid, the Mirwaiz raised the issue of “restrictions and attempts to silence the pulpit”. He said these actions appeared to be part of state policy and urged patience. “This pulpit has for generations played an important role in educating individuals and shaping society on religious and moral lines,” he said.
The Mirwaiz also emphasised that the pulpit has always called for “dialogue over confrontation”.
Meanwhile, opposition Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti expressed concern over Mr. Khan's treatment. “Unbelievably cruel for the Pakistani army to send Imran Khan back into jail. The man has been incarcerated for the last three years over baseless, preposterous charges. Small men in big chairs syndrome. I do admire how Imran Khan refuses to compromise and continues to hold his ground,” Ms. Mufti said.
Mr. Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was removed from power in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote in Parliament. He has since faced numerous legal cases, including charges of corruption, treason, and inciting violence. His supporters and several human rights groups have maintained that the cases are politically motivated.
The former cricketer-turned-politician has been in prison since August 2023. His party has faced a sustained crackdown in the country, with many leaders and workers arrested. The Pakistani government has denied allegations of political victimisation, asserting that legal procedures are being followed.
The Mirwaiz's remarks have drawn attention because of his own history as a political leader in Kashmir, where he has been a vocal advocate for peaceful resistance. His appeal for the humane treatment of all prisoners, regardless of nationality or affiliation, is seen as a reiteration of universal human rights standards.
The issue of political prisoners is a sensitive one across South Asia, where several countries have faced criticism from international watchdogs over the detention of opposition figures. The Mirwaiz's statement adds to the regional debate on the treatment of those held for political reasons.
